watchOS 9.0.2 fixes issues with Apple Watch microphone and Spotify streaming

The update fixes microphone issues on some Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 devices, and fixes Spotify streaming issues and other bugs.

• What is happening? Apple has released watchOS 9.0.2, a bug fix.
• Why care? watchOS 9.0.2 addresses two big issues, as well as smaller ones.
• What to do? Use the software update on the watch itself or the companion watch app on a paired iPhone to download and install watchOS 9.0.2. Update.

watchOS 9.0.2 fixes Apple Watch bugs

Among other things, the watchOS 9.0.2 update includes improvements and bug fixes for your Apple Watch. Apple’s release notes for watchOS 9.0.2 mention the following fixes:

• Audio streaming interruptions on Spotify
• Snooze alerts continue after the alarm is removed for AssistiveTouch users.
• Incomplete sync of Wallet and Fitness data for recently paired Apple Watch.
• Microphone sound is interrupted for some Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra users

For detailed watchOS 9.0.2 security information, see the Apple website.

Problems with the microphone

User complaints ranged from intermittent microphone issues to persistent issues where an app using the device’s built-in microphones, such as Siri or phone calls, would start working at all. It also caused problems in the stock Noise app which reported a “Measurement paused”error saying that the microphone was being used by another app.

These issues have been reported by owners of the newer Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 models. Restarting the device will resolve the issue until it rears its ugly head again. Read: How to watch YouTube on Apple Watch

Apple has confirmed that the microphone hardware is fine, and now watchOS 9.0.2 should fix your Apple Watch microphone issues.

Spotify Streaming Issues

Another high-profile bug that watchOS 9.0.2 is addressing has to do with Spotify streaming on the watch. watchOS 9.0 broke Spotify streaming, causing Spotify to urge users to stay away from their watchOS app until Apple fixes the issue.

“Users who have already been affected can instead download their content to their Apple Watch and listen offline or stream from their phones,” Spotify said.

With the October 10, 2022 release of watchOS 9.0.2, the issue with Spotify streaming has been fixed and Apple has acknowledged the issue in the update’s release notes. Read: How to Fix Dictation Not Working on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac

How to install watchOS 9.0.2

To download and install the watchOS 9.0.2 update over the air, use the standard Apple software update feature in the Watch app on iPhone or in the watch itself.

In the Clock app:

1. On iPhone, open the companion Watch app.
2. In the Clock app, tap the My Watch tab.
3. Now select General from the root list.
4. Select Software Update.
5. Click Install, then follow the on-screen instructions.

Before the download begins, you will be asked to enter a passcode for your iPhone or Apple Watch. The update may take some time. You can speed up watchOS updates by turning off Bluetooth on your phone at the right time.

On the watch itself:

1. Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
2. Select General from the root list.
3. Select Software Update.
4. Click Install, then follow the on-screen instructions.

You must leave the watch on the charger until the update is complete.